Method for removing patterned layer from lower layer through reflow

ABSTRACT

A photo-resist mask of organic compound is stripped off after the pattern transfer to a layer thereunder, wherein the photo-resist mask is firstly exposed to vapor of organic solvent for reducing the thickness through a reflow, and, thereafter, the photo-resist mask is ashed in an oxygen plasma, whereby the dry ashing is completed within a short time period by virtue of the reduction of thickness.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a pattern transfer technology and, more particularly, to a method for removing a patterned layer of organic compound from a lower layer such as, for example, a wafer or substrate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Upon completion of pattern transfer to a lower layer, the photo-resist mask is removed from the lower layer such as a semiconductor wafer through a suitable cleaning technique. The photo-resist mask is formed of organic compound. The cleaning techniques are broken down into two categories, i.e., a dry cleaning and a wet cleaning. A dry ashing is a typical example of the dry cleaning technique. The photo-resist mask of organic compound is exposed to oxygen plasma or ozone under radiation of ultra-violet. Then, the photoresist mask is decomposed and, accordingly, is removed from the semiconductor wafer.

[0003] On the other hand, dipping into chemical solution is a typical example of the wet cleaning. The photo-resist mask is dipped into the chemical solution so that the organic compound is dissolved into the chemical solution.

[0004] A compromise between the dry cleaning and the wet cleaning includes a preliminary treatment before the dry ashing. The semiconductor wafer covered with the photo-resist mask is dipped into chemical solution, or is exposed to the chemical solution. The preliminary treatment makes the time consumed for the dry ashing.

[0005] When the manufacturer decides to remove the photo-resist mask from the semiconductor wafer only through the dry ashing, which is hereinbelow referred to as “full dry ashing”, the photo-resist mask is continuously exposed to the dry cleaner, and are gradually ashed. The thicker the photo-resist mask is, the longer the exposure time is. For this reason, the full dry ashing on a thick photo-resist mask is time consuming, and is a neck of the process for fabricating semiconductor devices. Thus, a problem inherent in the full dry ashing is a low throughput.

[0006] Problems inherent in the wet cleaning are a large amount of waste chemical solution and inefficient usage of chemical solution. The residual chemical solution is to be rinsed in pure water, and a large amount of waste water is left. The cost and anti-pollution measure for the waste chemical solution/waste water are yet another problem. The time consumed in the wet cleaning is dependent on the organic compound. If the organic compound layer is strongly adhered to the semiconductor wafer, an additional time period is required for the wet cleaning. Thus, the wet cleaning is not always speedy.

[0007] A problem inherent in the compromise is residual chemical solution on the semiconductor wafer. Rinsing is required for semiconductor wafer after the preliminary treatment. Thus, a problem inherent in the compromise is the complicated process sequence. Another problem is residual contaminant left on the semiconductor wafer. The problems of the wet cleaning are also inherent in the compromise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a method for removing an organic layer, which is large in throughput, economical and almost free from the residual contaminant.

[0009] To accomplish the object, the present invention proposes to reduce an organic compound layer in thickness through a preliminary treatment.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for removing an organic compound layer from a lower layer comprising the steps of carrying out a preliminary treatment on the organic compound layer so as to deform the organic compound layer or change quality of the organic compound, and peeling the organic compound layer from said lower layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The features and advantages of the method will be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012]FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic cross sectional views showing a method for removing a patterned organic compound layer from a substrate according to the present invention; and FIG. 2 is a graph showing a time dependency of an ashing step.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A method for removing a patterned organic compound layer embodying the present invention includes a preliminary treatment before a dry cleaning or wet cleaning. The patterned organic compound layer is assumed to be a patterned photo-resist layer formed on a substrate.

[0014] The preliminary treatment is to expose the patterned photo-resist layer on the substrate to vapor of organic solvent. The organic solvent vapor penetrates into the patterned photo-resist layer. However, the influence of the organic solvent vapor on a patterned layer on the substrate is negligible. The patterned photo-resist layer is partially dissolved in the presence of the organic solvent vapor, and is softened. Finally, the patterned photo-resist layer is reflowed. As a result, the photo-resist layer is spread over the substrate, and is reduced in thickness to a fifth of the patterned photo-resist layer or less. In fact, the photo-resist layer is reduced in thickness to a tenth of the patterned photo-resist layer or less when the organic solvent vapor and the time to reflow it are appropriately regulated.

[0015] Another preliminary treatment before the dry or wet cleaning is to soften the patterned photo-resist layer by applying heat. In detail, when the substrate reaches 50 degrees to 300 degrees in centigrade, the patterned photoresist layer is softened, and is reflowed. The photo-resist layer is spread over the substrate, and is reduced in thickness.

[0016] Yet another preliminary treatment before the dry or wet cleaning is the combination of the exposure to organic solvent vapor and the heating. The photo-resist layer is widely spread over the substrate, and, accordingly, is reduced in thickness.

[0017] Still another preliminary treatment before the dry or wet cleaning includes an additional heat treatment or drying in vacuum after the exposure to the organic solvent vapor. The additional heat treatment and drying aim at elimination of residual organic solvent from the photo-resist layer through vaporization. The heat treatment for the elimination of the residual organic solvent is carried out 100-180 degrees in centigrade, and is continued for 10 minutes to 300 minutes.

[0018] After the preliminary treatment, the photo-resist layer is removed from the substrate through a dry cleaning or wet cleaning. The dry cleaning is, by way of example, an oxygen plasma ashing or exposure to ozone under radiation of ultraviolet light.

[0019] As described hereinbefore, the time consumed in the dry cleaning is dominated by the thickness of the photo-resist layer. The area of the photo-resist layer is less influential on the dry cleaning. The photo-resist layer has been already reduced in thickness through the preliminary treatment. For this reason, the time required for the dry cleaning is shorter than the time period consumed in the full dry ashing. As a result, the throughput is improved. Thus, the method for removing a patterned organic layer according to the present invention is conducive to elimination of the neck in the process for fabricating semiconductor devices.

[0020] The preliminary treatment with the organic solvent is preferable from another viewpoint. In case that the photo-resist layer has been cured, the reflow less occur. Even so, the organic solvent is effective to the cured photoresist layer, because the organic solvent makes the cured photo-resist layer much liable to be peeled off through a change of quality.

[0021] The preliminary treatment accelerates the wet cleaning, and the time consumed in the wet etching is shortened. Thus, the throughput is improved by virtue of the preliminary treatment in case where the wet cleaning is employed.

[0022] FIGS. 1A and d1B shows a sequence of the method according to the present invention. An insulating substrate 1 is covered with a conductive layer 2 to be etched. A patterned photo-resist layer 3 is prepared as follows. First, the conductive layer 2 is covered with a photo-resist layer of organic compound. The photo-resist layer is exposed to an image-carrying light. Then, a latent image is produced in the photo-resist layer. The latent image is developed. Then, the photo-resist is partially removed from the photo-resist layer, and the patterned photo-resist layer 3 is left on the conductive layer 2. The patterned photo-resist layer is of the order of 2 microns thick.

[0023] Using the patterned photo-resist layer 3, the conductive layer 2 is selectively etched. Thus, the pattern is transferred to the conductive layer 2, and the patterned conductive layer 2 is left on the insulating substrate 1 as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0024] After the pattern transfer to the conductive layer, the patterned photoresist layer 3 is removed from the resultant structure through the method according to the present invention. First, the patterned photo-resist layer 3 is reflowed through the preliminary treatment. The patterned photo-resist layer 3 is spread over the insulating substrate 1, and is reduced in thickness. The photo-resist layer reflowed in the preliminary treatment is designated by reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1B.

[0025] In detail, the insulating substrate 1 and, accordingly, the photo-resist layer 4 are exposed to vapor of organic solvent at 15 degrees to 40 degrees in centigrade. The organic solvents available for the preliminary solvent are

[0026] alcohols expressed as R—OH,

[0027] alkoxyalcohols,

[0028] ethers expressed as R—O—R, Ar—O—R and Ar—O—Ar,

[0029] esters,

[0030] ketones,

[0031] glycols,

[0032] alkylene glycols and

[0033] glycol ethers

[0034] where R is alkyl group or substituted alkyl group and Ar is phenyl group or aromatic ring except phenyl group. Examples of the organic solvents are listed in paragraphs (1), (2) and (3).

[0035] (1) alcohols expressed as CH₃OH, C₂H₅OH, CH₃(CH₂)_(x) OH, by way of example;

[0036] isopropyl alcohol (IPA), ethoxy ethanol, methoxy alcohol, long chain alkyl ester, monoethanol amine (MEA), acetone, acetylacetone, dioxan, ethyl accetate, buthyl accetate, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), diethyl ketone, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), methylisobuthylketone (MIBK), buthyl carbitol, nbuthyl acetate (nBA), γ-butyrolactone, ethylcellsolveacetate (ECA), lactic ethyl, pyruvic ethyl, 2-heptanone (MAK), 3-methoxybuthyl acetate, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoethylether, diethylene glycol monoethylether, ethylene glycol monoethylether acetate, ethylene glycol monomethylether, ethylene glycol monomethylether acetate, ethylene glycol mono-n-buthylether, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol, polyethylene glycol monoethylether, polydiethylene glycol monoethylether, polyethylene glycol monoethylether acetate, polyethylene glycol monomethylether, polyethylene glycol monomethylether acetate and polyethylene glycol mono-n-buthylether;

[0037] (2) methyl-3-methoxy propionate (MMP), propylene glycol monomethylether (PGME), prolylene glycol monomethylether acetate (PGMEA), propylene glycol monopropylether (PGP) and propylene glycol monoethylether (PGEE);

[0038] (3) ethyl-3-ethoxypropionate (FEP), dipropylene glycol monoethylether, tripropylene glycol monoethylether, polypropylene glycol monoethylether, propylene glycol monomethylether propionate, 3-methoxy methyl propionate, 3-ethoxy methyl propionate, 3-ethoxy ethyl propionate and N-methyl-2-pyrrolinone (NMP).

[0039] Above-described organic solvents may be blended. Examples of the blended organic solvent are as follows. Recommendable blending ratio is put in the parentheses.

[0040] PGMEA:butyl acetate=8:2

[0041] Lactic ethyl:butyl acetate=8:2

[0042] Lactic ethyl:butyl acetate=9:1

[0043] Lactic ethyl:PGMEA=7:3

[0044] MAK:γ-butyrolactone=9.5:0.5

[0045] MAK:PGP=8:2

[0046] PGMEA:PGP=7:3

[0047] MAK:lactic ethyl=5:5

[0048] PGMEA:dipropylene glycol monoethylether=7:3

[0049] PGMEA:lactic ethyl=8:2

[0050] PGME:PGMEA=7:3

[0051]3-methoxybuthyl acetate:PGMEA=7:3

[0052]3-methoxybuthyl acetate:butyl acetate=6:4

[0053] PGMEA:lactic ethyl=6:4

[0054] Thus, the organic solvents are selectively blended for use in the method according to the present invention as well as any one of the organic solvent solely used.

[0055] The present inventor confirmed that organic compound layers were reduced in thickness in the presence of vapor of the organic solvent and vapor of the mixture thereof. The present inventor prepared samples of the patterned photo-resist layer laminated on the conductive layer, which had been already formed on the insulating substrate as follows. First, liquid resist was spun onto a conductive layer formed on an insulating substrate. The liquid resist was composed of polymer compound, photo-sensitive material and other addivives. The organic compound of the photo-resist was in polyvinyl series such as polyvinyl cinnamate ester. Other kinds of photo-resist were further investigated. The organic compound of another kind of photo-resist was in rubber series, i.e., cyclic polyisoprene/cyclic polybutadiene and bisaxido compound. Other kinds of photo-resist were novolak resin series, i.e., mixture of cresol novolak resin and naphthoquinonediazido-5-sulfonic acid ester and copolymer of acrylic acid series, i.e., polyacrylamide and polyamido acid. The present inventor further investigated photo-resist containing bromine/iodine, several kinds of photo-resist produced on the basis of both organic and inorganic materials and each containing one of siloxane, polysiloxane, polysilane, polysiline and carbosilane and photo-resist containing metal such as germanium. Positive photo-resist was in the novolak resin series, i.e., mixture of cresol novolak resin and naphthoquinonediazido-5-sulfonic acid ester. Negative photo-resist was in the rubber series, i.e., cyclic polyisoprene/cyclic polybutadiene and bis-axido compound. The photo-resist was baked. A pattern image was transferred from a photo-mask to the photo-resist layer, and a latent image was formed in the photo-resist layer. The latent image was developed so as to form the patterned photo-resist layer. The patterned photo-resist layers of the samples were 2 microns thick. Using the patterned photo-resist layers, the conductive layers were etched. The photoresist layers on some samples were seriously damaged during the dry etching, and were hardened. When the inventor exposed the patterned photo-resist layer of one sample to vapor containing acetone, the following phenomena were observed.

[0056] Nitrogen gas, N₂ gas was bubbled in the organic solvent. Then, the acetone was carried on the nitrogen gas. The acetone-containing vapor was introduced into a chamber where the sample was placed. The total pressure in the chamber was −5 KPa to +10 KPa. The sample was maintained at 20 degrees to 30 degrees in centigrade. The acetone-carrying gas was introduced at 5-10 litter/min. The substrate temperature was fallen within the range from 15 degrees to 40 degrees in centigrade. The acetone gradually penetrated into the patterned photo-resist layer, and the patterned photo-resist mask was partially dissolved in the vapor. The patterned photo-resist layer was reflowed over the substrate. Accordingly, the thickness of the patterned photo-resist layer was reduced with time. When the patterned photo-resist layer was exposed to the vapor for 30 seconds, the patterned photo-resist layer was reduced to a half of the original thickness, i.e., 1 micron thick. When sixty seconds were expired, the patterned photo-resist layer was reduced to a fifth of the original thickness, i.e., 400 nanometers thick. The present inventor continued the observation, and confirmed that the patterned photo-resist layer reached a tenth of the original thickness.

[0057] The present inventor further confirmed that the patterned photo-resist layer was reduced in thickness through a reflow in the high-temperature ambience. The present inventor heated the insulating substrate to 50 degrees to 300 degrees in centigrade. The insulating substrate was maintained over 140 degrees in centigrade for 30 minutes to 300 minutes. The patterned photo-resist layer was thermally softened, and was reflowed. The patterned photo-resist layer was reduced in thickness. The present inventor confirmed that the photo-resist layer was reduced in thickness to a half of the original thickness.

[0058] The present inventor further confirmed that the patterned photo-resist layer was reduced in thickness through the combination of the exposure to the vapor containing the organic solvent or solvents and the heat application.

[0059] The present inventor further confirmed that all kinds of photo-resist were reduced in thickness through the exposure to the organic solvent. Although the photo-resist layers with the hard surface portion were not reduced in thickness, the organic solvent vapor penetrated into the photo-resist layers, and made the photo-resist layers easily peel off.

[0060] After the reflow through the exposure to the vapor, the present inventor dried the samples at 180-100 degrees in centigrade or less for 10-300 minutes. The present inventor also dried other samples in vacuum for 2-10 minutes. The present inventor confirmed that organic solvent was almost perfectly removed from the samples.

[0061] Upon completion of the reflow through the exposure to the vapor of organic solvent, the present inventor measured a time to be required for peeling the patterned photo-resist off. The present inventor prepared the samples exposed to the vapor of organic solvent for different time periods and a comparative sample, the patterned photo-resist of which was not reflowed. The photo-resist layers on the samples were ashed in oxygen plasma at 10 Pa for 10-60 minuates. Oxygen was supplied at 500 sccm, and the rf power was 1000 watts. The photo-resist layer on the comparative sample was reduced in thickness as indicated by plots PL1 in FIG. 2. 600 seconds were required for the comparative sample. On the other hand, plots PL2 and PL3 were representative of the samples, the photo-resist layers of which were exposed to the vapor of the organic solvent for 30 seconds and 60 seconds, respectively. The photo-resist layers are removed from the samples at 300 seconds and 120 seconds, respectively. Thus, the time required for the ashing was drastically reduced by virtue of the reflow in the vapor of organic solvent.

[0062] As will be understood from the foregoing description, the major advantage of the method according to the present invention is to shorten the time to be required for the dry/wet peeling by virtue of the reduction in thickness of the organic compound layer. When the organic compound layer is dry ashed, the reduction in thickness drastically accelerates the dry ashing.

[0063] Another advantage of the exposure to the vapor of organic solvent according to the present invention is to enhance the peel-off property of the organic layer. The organic compound layer was exposed to vapor of organic solvent at 15 degrees to 40 degrees in centigrade. The organic solvent vapor penetrated into only the organic compound layer such as the photo-resist layer. The organic solvent thus penetrating into the organic compound layer changed the quality of the organic compound layer, and the reflow took place inside the organic compound layer. As a result, the organic compound layer was much liable to peel off from the lower layer. The organic solvent vapor hardly penetrated into the insulating substrate and the layer under the organic compound layer. Although the organic solvent vapor was condensed on the lower layer, the organic solvent was vaporized, again, and residual organic solvent was negligible. For this reason, the rinsing was not required after the removal of the organic compound layer. Thus, the method according to the present invention is simpler than the conventional methods.

[0064] The present inventor confirmed that NMP and γ-butyrolactone accelerated the peel-off between organic compound layers and compound layers.

[0065] Yet another advantage of the method according to the present invention is reduction in consumption of chemical solutions. The conventional wet cleaning consumes a large amount of chemical solution, and the waste chemical solution tends to pollute the environment. In the method according to the present invention, the organic solvent is vaporized. The consumption of the organic solvent is a little. For this reason, the method according to the present invention is economical and small in environmental influence rather than the conventional wet cleaning techniques.

[0066] Still another advantage of the method according to the present invention is a completely dry process. Not only preliminary treatment but also ashing are dry, and the dry process makes the cost, consumption of chemicals and environmental influence small.

[0067] Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0068] The present invention is applicable to various combinations between the organic compounds and organic solvents. The organic compound may not have the sensitivity to light. The method according to the present invention may be applied to an organic compound layer containing any material in the organic compound series and organic solvent and another compound layer containing any material in the inorganic series and organic solvent. Examples of the former are the resist layer, synthetic resin such as, for example, acrylic resin, polyimide resin and polyacrylic amido resin, and an organic high-molecular weight compound. Examples of the latter are siloxane, polysiloxane, polysilane, polysiline, carbosilane, silicone and inorganic glass. The organic solvents described herienbefore are available for both of the organic compound layers. However, it is recommendable to select the optimum organic solvent from the candidates. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for removing an organic compound layer from a lower layer, comprising the steps of: a) carrying out a preliminary treatment on said organic compound layer so as to deform said organic compound layer or change quality of the organic compound; and b) peeling said organic compound layer from said lower layer.
 2. The method as set forth in claim 1, in which said step a) includes the sub-steps of a-1) producing a chemical vapor effective to said organic compound, and a-2) exposing said organic compound layer to said vapor.
 3. The method as set forth in claim 2, in which a chemical solution is vaporized in said sub-step a-1).
 4. The method as set forth in claim 2, in which said chemical vapor makes said organic compound layer have fluidity so as to reduce the thickness of said organic compound layer through a reflow.
 5. The method as set forth in claim 4, in which said chemical vapor is produced of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols expressed by general formula R—OH, alkoxyalcohols, ethers expressed by general formula R—O—R, Ar—O—R and Ar—O—Ar, esters, ketones, glycols, alkylene glycols and glycol ethers where R is an alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group and Ar is phenyl group or aromatic ring except said phenyl group.
 6. The method as set forth in claim 5, in which at least two of said organic solvents are blended so that said chemical vapor is produced from the blended organic solvent.
 7. The method as set forth in claim 4, in which said reflow is carried out at 15 degrees to 40 degrees in centigrade.
 8. The method as set forth in claim 4, in which said organic compound layer serves as a photo-resist mask.
 9. The method as set forth in claim 8, in which said organic compound layer is reduced in thickness to a third or less through said reflow.
 10. The method as set forth in claim 8, in which said photo-resist mask is stripped off by using a dry cleaning in said step b).
 11. The method as set forth in claim 1, in which said step a) includes the sub-steps of a-1) heating said organic compound layer to a predetermined temperature range, and a-2) keeping said organic compound layer in a high-temperature ambience so that said organic compound layer is reduced in thickness through a reflow.
 12. The method as set forth in claim 11, in which said predetermined temperature range is between 50 degrees in centigrade and 300 degrees in centigrade.
 13. The method as set forth in claim 1, in which said step a) includes the sub-steps of a-1) producing a chemical vapor effective to said organic compound, a-2) exposing said organic compound layer to said vapor, a-3) heating said organic compound layer to a predetermined temperature range, and a-4) keeping said organic compound layer in a high-temperature ambience.
 14. The method as set forth in claim 13, in which said predetermined temperature range is between 50 degrees and 300 degrees in centigrade.
 15. The method as set forth in claim 2, in which said step a) includes the sub-steps of a-1) producing a chemical vapor effective to said organic compound, a-2) exposing said organic compound layer to said vapor, and a-3) heating said organic compound layer to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period so as to vaporize condensate of said chemical vapor from a surface of said lower layer.
 16. The method as set forth in claim 14, in which said predetermined temperature and said predetermined time period are between 100 degrees in centigrade and 180 degrees in centigrade and between 10 minutes and 300 minutes. 